Tory candidate for Weaver Vale MP backs transparency plan

WEAVER Vale prospective Tory MP Graham Evans has given his backing to new plans to increase openness across local government, Whitehall and Parliament to help rebuild the public’s trust and confidence in politics.

WEAVER Vale prospective Tory MP Graham Evans has given his backing to new plans to increase openness across local government, Whitehall and Parliament to help rebuild the public’s trust and confidence in politics.

Under a national Conservative blueprint councils – including Cheshire West and Chester – will be required to publish online details of all expenditure over a set limit, detailing all payments for goods and services.

It would bring one of the biggest shake-ups to town hall accountability since 1960 when councils were forced to open their meetings to the Press and public.

This greater transparency and accountability would help reduce wasteful expenditure, saving taxpayers’ money, it is claimed.

Mr Evans also believes there should be greater openness in central government. Under new Conservative plans for a ‘People’s Right to Know’, every single item of central government spending over £25,000 and all public sector salaries over £150,000 would be published online.

Furthermore, all claims made to the Parliamentary Fees Office would be published immediately online.

Mr Evans said: “Greater openness, in both local and central government, is vital to help restore the public’s trust and confidence in our political system.

“The public should have a right to know how exactly their money is being spent.”